Monday 16th March 2020 Devotion
Scripture:- John 13
Topic:- 6 Guiding Principles For Church Elders [1]
Text:- James 3:1
1. Look At Him:
God has called Elders to be men worth imitating. A healthy local Church typically has many people, men and women, whose example we could follow.
But when a Church appoints a man to be an Overseer, it is formally saying, “Here is an official, Church-recognized example of a mature follower of Jesus.”
He is not the only example, not a perfect example, and not necessarily the best example in that congregation for every single Christian virtue. But an Elder is a duly designated model nonetheless.
By affirming someone as an Elder, the Church says, “Imitate him as he imitates Christ.” A Church should be able to direct a newborn believer to an Elder and say: “Do you want to know what a real Christian should be like?
Then look at Him.” To put it another way, an Elder’s job involves shepherding by being as well as by doing. Elders Pastor Churches not only by what they do but also by who they are. And without the being, the doing falls apart.
Let’s review the elements of an elder’s job description. Notice how each element of this to-do list can be achieved only if the Elder fulfills his to-be calling. In short, Christlike character is a sine qua non of Pastoral Ministry
Emphasizing purposeful ministry over project management, this book outlines a clear and concise “job description” for Elders, helping Church leaders to Shepherd their congregations well.
2. Encourage Maturity:
The entire Elder job description is to Shepherd Church members toward greater Christlike maturity. Elders are Pastors who invest in the lives of the Church members in order to help them grow up together more and more into the image of Jesus.
But if an Elder is immature himself, how can he possibly Shepherd others toward grown-up godliness? Just as you wouldn’t hire a financial advisor who had squandered his own wealth through bad investment decisions, and just as exercising with an out-of-shape fitness Coach would not inspire your confidence, so an ungodly, selfish Elder who says “Imitate me” has few takers. You can bring others in Christ only as far as you have gone yourself.
Prayer Point: Oh Lord God, help me to to do available opportunity given to me effectively henceforth by fire, in the name of Jesus Christ.
Have A Lovely Monday!
